Yahoo Lifestyle Oscar-Nominated ‘Indian Matchmaking’ Creator Makes Scripted Move With ‘Naani Diaries’ Film Rights (EXCLUSIVE)
Smriti Mundhra’s Meralta Films is venturing into scripted content, acquiring rights to Riva Razdan’s romantic comedy novel “The Naani Diaries.” The two-time Oscar nominee and three-time Emmy-nominated filmmaker behind hit Netflix documentary series “Indian Matchmaking” will produce through her banner alongside Nina Anand Aujla and Maya Gnyp.
The Harper Collins title follows Radhika, an ambitious New Yorker who turns to her grandmother’s 1960s love story – documented in an old diary – after getting dumped. Trading Manhattan for Mumbai, she dives into India’s arranged marriage scene, testing whether a career-driven woman can transform herself into traditional “wife material.”
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For Razdan, this marks another screen adaptation in her growing portfolio. The scribe’s novel “Arzu” is being developed as a TV series with Lily Singh and BlinkMedia producing and “Bridgerton” breakout Charithra Chandran set to star. She’s also writing a rom-com feature and female-centered series for Netflix via Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions.
“Her talent as an author shines through in this heartfelt, multi-generational story, which beautifully embodies everything we love about the rom-com genre,” said Nina Anand Aujla, who heads film and TV at Meralta.
The deal comes as Meralta rides high on an Oscar nomination for their documentary short “I Am Ready, Warden” and ABC’s “Muslim Matchmaker,” which streams from Feb. 11 on Hulu . The dual Los Angeles-Mumbai based production outfit, which scored hits with “Indian Matchmaking” and the Emmy-nominated “Shelter” (HBO Max), has projects brewing at major streamers including Apple TV+, HBO Max, Netflix and MTV.
“The Naani Diaries” adaptation represents one of several feature acquisitions in Meralta’s expanding slate as the company pushes into scripted territory while maintaining its documentary footprint. “Smriti understands the duality of modern women; their nurturing nature that longs for love and family life and their dynamic minds that seek purpose and accomplishment better than anyone else,” Razdan said of the partnership.
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